The sector of the market that deals with contraception offers a long list of different contraceptive methods. Within the estroprogestinic choice, the routes of administration are oral, transdermic and vaginal one. Even though efficacy is comparable with these methods, secondary and adverse effects are directly involved in the acceptability of the method.
Study Design
This was a prospective comparative study. During 1 year, we enrolled 60 asymptomatic women who voluntarily requested combined oral contraception (COC) or combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR group). After a baseline study of vaginal milieu prior to starting hormonal contraception, we performed a follow-up. For each woman, we examined vaginal pH; quantification of leukocytes, lactobacilli, Candida and cocci on saline microscopy fluid; Gram stain with Nugent score and the presence of vaginal infection [culture for Trichomonas vaginalis, albicans and nonalbicans Candida, Group B Streptococcus (GBS)].
Results
At the end of follow-up, there was a little change of vaginal milieu in both groups. We noted an increase of lactobacilli in the CCVR users and an increase of GBS in COC users.
Conclusion
CCVR compared to COC users showed an increase of the number of lactobacilli in vaginal flora. It means that an increase of leukorrhea in that group could be protective in terms of prevention of vaginal imbalance/infection.
hormonal contraception vaginal flora lactobacilli, contraceptive vaginal ring vaginal microbiome, combined oral contraceptive vaginal infection Group B Streptococcus, vaginal ring versus oral contraceptive vaginal milieu, Nugent score hormonal contraception vaginal flora, estroprogestinic contraceptive route administration vaginal health, vaginal pH lactobacilli contraceptive method comparison, contraceptive vaginal ring leukorrhea protective effect, hormonal contraception Candida vaginal infection prospective, vaginal microbiome oral versus ring contraception
PMID 22520642 22520642 DOI 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.02.012 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.02.012
Cite this article
De Seta, F., Restaino, S., De Santo, D., Stabile, G., Banco, R., Busetti, M., Barbati, G., & Guaschino, S. (2012). Effects of hormonal contraception on vaginal flora. *Contraception*, *86*(5), 526-529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2012.02.012
De Seta F, Restaino S, De Santo D, Stabile G, Banco R, Busetti M, et al. Effects of hormonal contraception on vaginal flora. Contraception. 2012;86(5):526-529. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2012.02.012
De Seta, F., et al. "Effects of hormonal contraception on vaginal flora." *Contraception*, vol. 86, no. 5, 2012, pp. 526-529.
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